Arts Teaching Assistant at YMCA of Syracuse, NY

Position Summary

$24.00 per hour, 3:30–5:30 pm. This position supports the mission of the YMCA of Central New York. Under the direction of the After School Program Administrator and the Arts Branch Executive Director, the Arts Program Teaching Assistant is a team player who demonstrates strong skills in classroom management, organization, interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and collaborative relationships. Responsibilities include attendance‑keeping, day‑to‑day classroom management, assisting the classroom teacher with instruction, and ensuring safety and alignment with YMCA values.

• Assist teachers in implementing arts lessons that increase the knowledge of arts principles and expand the student’s interest in art.
• Create a safe and trusting creative environment in the classroom.
• Ensure the safety of all students.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of classroom spaces.
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with all students, administrators, and parents.
• Reinforce positive behaviors and creative strides.
• Handle disruptive behaviors in accordance with the SCSD Code of Conduct and all program procedures.
• Follow all guidelines and procedures stated in the program’s staff handbook.
• Maintain required paperwork for the After School Arts Program Administrator.
• Attend mandatory YMCA/Syracuse City School District trainings as/when required.
• All other duties as assigned by the Program Administrator or Executive Director.

• Experience and
  
  Education:
  
  A high school diploma or GED; college degree preferred.
• Prior experience working directly with elementary-age students in an education related environment.

• Possess and demonstrate excellent organizational, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, decision-making, problem solving and leadership skills.
• Possess and demonstrate ability to work both within a team and independently.

• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
• Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90 days of employment.

• Supports the Mission, Vision and Direction of the YMCA:
  Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.
• Builds Community:
  Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques.
• Provides a Quality Experience for Participants:
  Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for students; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution.
• Works Productively:
  Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA/SCSD resources appropriately and efficiently.
• Uses Effective Personal Behaviors/Communicates Effectively:
  Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

• Strong lasting relationships with parents, participants, and co-workers.
• The staff team provides safe and age-appropriate activities.
• Build a strong, positive community at large.

Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, climb a minimum of two flights of stairs (approximately every ½ hour), lift/move and carry approximately 20 pounds, and use hands and fingers. Special vision abilities required close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Occasionally exposed to dusty environment; face masks are supplied for pouring dry glazes, plaster, and any other materials that contain airborne particles. Noise level is moderate.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.